🟦Public Broadcasting (NPR, PBS)
A ranked guide to advocacy groups protecting public media and defending press freedom.
On May 1, 2025, Trump signed an executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to cease federal funding for NPR and PBS, alleging political bias. This move threatens the financial stability of public broadcasting, particularly for local stations that rely heavily on CPB support.
Numerous advocacy organizations are mobilizing to protect public media and uphold press freedom. These groups offer tools such as petitions, legal resources, policy updates, and opportunities for civic engagement. Below is a curated list of prominent organizations leading these efforts and the key issues at stake.
A grassroots campaign by America's Public Television Stations and NPR, focusing on mobilizing public support to safeguard federal funding for local public media stations.
A nonprofit organization advocating for media reform, including preserving public broadcasting, net neutrality, and diverse media ownership.
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Provides legal resources and support to journalists, defending First Amendment rights and promoting transparency and accountability in government.
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
An independent nonprofit that promotes press freedom worldwide, offering support to journalists facing threats, imprisonment, or censorship.
Freedom of the Press Foundation
It focuses on protecting and defending adversarial journalism in the 21st century, supporting transparency, and promoting the rights of whistleblowers.
A Bay Area-based organization advocating for media accountability, access, and diversity, focusing on community media and digital rights.
Supports community media centers and public access television, promoting civic engagement through local media initiatives.
National Federation of Community Broadcasters (NFCB)
Provides services and advocacy for community radio stations, emphasizing the importance of local, independent media.
An intergovernmental partnership working to advocate for media freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide.
Conducts research and advocacy on democracy, political freedom, and human rights, including press freedom and freedom of expression.
Key Issues at Stake
Press Freedom: The executive order raises concerns about government overreach and the suppression of independent journalism, potentially undermining the First Amendment.
Public Broadcasting Funding: Eliminating federal support threatens the viability of NPR and PBS, especially for rural and underserved communities that depend on these services.
Local Journalism: Cuts to CPB funding could close local stations, reducing access to community-specific news and information.
Media Diversity and Representation: Public media often provides a platform for diverse voices and stories not typically covered by commercial outlets; defunding could diminish this diversity.
Democratic Engagement: Access to unbiased, factual information is crucial for informed citizen participation in democracy; threats to public media can impede this access.